Final answer:
The statement that authoritarian parenting is unequivocally bad for children is B. false; the effectiveness of parenting styles, including authoritarian, varies by cultural context and different styles can produce various outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that research unequivocally supports the idea that authoritarian parenting is bad for children is B. False. While authoritarian parenting, characterized by high demands for conformity and obedience and low warmth, can lead to negative outcomes such as anxious, withdrawn, and unhappy children, it is not universally detrimental. Research by Russell, Crockett, & Chao (2010) suggests that in certain cultural contexts, such as among first-generation Chinese American children, authoritarian parenting does not have the same negative outcomes on educational success. Similarly, Diana Baumrind's theory of parenting styles indicates that different styles can lead to various socioemotional outcomes in children, and that what is beneficial in one culture may not be in another. The most encouraged style in American society is the authoritative style, which balances reasonable demands with warmth and responsiveness and is associated with high self-esteem and social skills. However, the effectiveness of parenting styles is a function of culture, revealing that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Furthermore, a warm and healthy parent-child relationship is generally associated with positive child outcomes across different cultures.